Monday, May 28, 2012

Green Pesticides, Bio-Controls and Bio-mimicryare just some of the alternatives
that are available for home & garden, urban farming, business,
restaurants etc.. What are some of these new technologies?Why are they sometimes the better choice? What do they mean for us consumers who want to make informed, responsible choices?

AquaBiowill exhibit some of the latest choice’s and explain why some of these new technologies are so promising.

Through education and displays visitors can see 'that there are safer,'Greener' alternatives for the home, garden and the workplace.

For businesses: these products are also have commercial application.

Stop by and visit with them this Sunday and hear the latest information on these green technologies!

Your support is driving significant change in the City of Los Angeles on environmental issues. Here's an update on the policy motions that the MVCC has passed for the Green Committee and the progress they have made.

Bill Rosendahl moved this forward this week with this notice and motion - “We took a step towards implementing urban beekeeping legislation within the City. This morning, we submitted a motion that instructs various departments to begin exploring the possibility of allowing urban beekeeping within the City. I have included a copy of the the submitted motion for your benefit. This is the first of many steps in the legislative process, but we wanted to share our progress and keep you up to date.” See his motion here. You can show your support by signing this petition.

Policy Motion:Mar Vista Community Council Motion in
support of Stormwater Low Impact Development Ordinance.

This passed and went into effect this month! This will make a HUGE difference in protecting our watersheds.

Policy Motion:MVCC Motion
in support of City-wide ban on the issuance of plastic bags.

This was approved by the LA City Council this week!

Policy Motion: MVCC Motion in support of using California natives in the landscaping for phase two of the Exposition Line light rail project.

On June 7th, the Expo Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the motion introduced by Councilmember Koretz to landscape Phase Two of the Expo Line with California Native Plants "to the fullest extent possible along the alignment."

Sunday, May 20, 2012

It's getting hotter-- and the UCCE LA County Master Gardeners are back
at the MVCC Green Tent on May 27 with seasonally appropriate herb and
veggie plants and seeds to share.

Bring your gardening questions or just
stop by to pick up a free seedling and packet of seeds. Organic
seedlings planted in organic soil with love for the Mar Vista community!

Come and visit the UCCE/LA County Master Gardeners
at the Mar Vista Community Council's Green Tent for seeds and
seedlings -- all free! The perfect crops for your summer garden!

UC Cooperative Extension develops
and implements community-based educational programs that address the
critical needs of the county's diverse and multiethnic population.
Staff
and volunteers provide and encourage the use of current research-based
information in the areas of nutrition, youth development, urban
gardening, horticulture and the environment.

And: BE ALERT!! The Asian Citrus Psyllid
HAS been found in Southern California. This rapidly-spreading pest
that carries a deadly virus, with the potential to kill all citrus
trees in our state.

That's not an exaggeration. The first line of defense is the backyard fruit tree. ACT FAST -- TIME IS CRITICAL

Sunday, May 13, 2012

When well-meaning parents
embark on a mission to live a greener and healthier lifestyle, it’s easy for
them to be overwhelmed.

"There's so much to do!”

“I don't know where to start!”

“How
can I tell what’s safe and what’s not?"

Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve had
the same thought!

That’s where Healthy Child Healthy World comes
in. Healthy Child Healthy World are inspiring the movement to protect our children from
harmful chemicals with our 5 Easy Steps – simple things parents can do to
improve their home environment, such as choosing organic foods when possible
and using non-toxic household cleaners. They're here to say that it’s ok to take
things one step at a time, and you don’t need to change every aspect of your life
all at once.

The organization began after five-year-old Colette Chuda
died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors;
her parents, Jim and Nancy Chuda, turned their grief into action in 1992.

One of the ways that they are
spreading their message is with their “Healthy Child Party Kit” program [http://healthychild.org/get-involved/healthy_home_parties/],
which will be displayed at the Green Booth. Stop by and have a chat with them about the simple steps we can
all take to create healthier homes, communities and families.

Hear about their great hands-on suggestions for creating a healthier home for families and hopefully inspire others
to do the same.

No one can do everything. Everyone can do
something. These are the words that embody the philosophy of Healthy Child Healthy
World. They will be at the booth on Sunday to talk to everyone at Mar Vista Green about the little
things you can do that taken together add up to big changes for a healthier
life.